FYI: Pagani Remains Committed to V-12 Engines Despite Hybrid and EV Considerations
Pagani, known for its extraordinary supercars powered exclusively by V-12 engines, has reaffirmed its commitment to this powertrain format for the foreseeable future.
The Utopia’s Unveiling
During the recent unveiling of the 852-horsepower Utopia Roadster at the 2024 Monterey Car Week, founder and chief designer Horacio Pagani shared insights into the development process of their latest model with The Drive. Despite initial explorations into a V-8 hybrid powertrain, Pagani decisively opted for a further evolved version of the twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 engine that previously powered the Huayra.
Weighing the Alternatives
Pagani explained that a hybrid powertrain would have added an excessive 880 to 1,100 pounds to the Utopia’s weight, which conflicted with the company’s performance and design ethos. More crucially, Pagani’s client base has shown little interest in hybrid or electric vehicles.
"In reality, no one is interested in a hybrid car," Pagani emphasized. He pointed out the compounded issues associated with hybrid systems, such as their dual-maintenance costs and the drawbacks of combining both electric and combustion engine problems.
The Electric Angle
This isn’t the first time Pagani has considered alternative powertrains. A planned electric version of the Utopia was also shelved for similar reasons—weight and lack of customer demand.
Future-Ready Yet Traditional
Despite staying true to its V-12 heritage, Pagani remains adaptable. "Pagani is a family, we don’t have a massive automaker or conglomerate behind us," said Pagani. "We have to build what the customer wants to buy and have the technology to rapidly pivot if needed."
Emission Regulations and Longevity
Pagani’s V-12 engines comply with current emissions regulations through 2031. The company is committed to keeping the iconic V-12 engine alive well beyond that date, leveraging continuous advancements to meet evolving regulations.
Conclusion
For now, Pagani will continue to cater to its clientele with the high-performance V-12 engines they’ve come to expect. However, the flexibility to innovate remains, positioning Pagani to adapt to future shifts in automotive technology and consumer preferences.
Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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